PEF Grants
Duke Energy Grants
Polk Education Foundation received $40,000 in funding from DUKE Energy! Funding was combined with funds from the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program awarding 19 grants totaling $54,500. In addition, 20 teachers received professional development in the areas of Energy, Engineering or other STEM related topics. Along with the training, teachers also received materials to implement concepts in their classrooms. Since 2006 Duke Energy has invested over $725,000 in Polk’s teachers and students. Thank you, Nancy Dodd and DUKE Energy!
Duke Energy Schools
Alturas Elementary
Babson Park Elementary (LWCharter)
Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Elementary
Bethune Academy
Bella Citta Elementary
Bok Academy South (LWCharter)
Bok Academy North (LWCharter)
Boone Middle School
Daniel Jenkins Academy
Davenport High School
Davenport School of the Arts
Davenport Elementary
Dundee Elementary
Dundee Ridge Middle
Eastside Elementary
Frostproof Elementary
Frostproof Middle/Senior
International Baccalaureate
Haines City High School
Hillcrest Elementary (LWCharter)
Horizons Elementary
Janie Howard Wilson Elementary (LWCharter)
Lake Wales High School (LWCharter)
Laurel Elementary
Lake Marion Creek
Loughman Oaks Elementary
McLaughlin Middle
Our Children’s Academy (Charter)
Palmetto Elementary
Polk Avenue Elementary (LWCharter)
Ridge Community High School
Roosevelt Academy
Sandhill Elementary
Spook Hill Elementary
2022-2023 Press Release – DUKE Energy
Contact:
Shannan Combee
Polk Education Foundation
Phone: 863-534-0519 x609
Fax: 863-519-3791
shannan.combee@polk-fl.net
Polk Education Foundation receives $40,000 from Duke Energy!
With Duke Energy’s $40,000 and additional funds from State of Florida School District Education
Foundation Matching Grant Program, the Polk Education Foundation awarded 19 school grants totaling $54,500 in grant funds. Grants focused on the topics of the engineering, energy education, as well as other STEM related topics. Funding was divided into two categories. The first portion awarded schools funding for classroom specific science/engineering programs. The second portion of funding provided professional development and related materials kits for implementation in the classroom. Two engineering focused trainings were offered. The first professional development session focused on designing rovers and rockets. The second training, focused on designing knee braces. Teachers attending training received a materials kit and teacher manual to implement lessons with their students. Twenty teachers participated in professional development to increase STEM engagement in their classrooms.
Each classroom grant awarded schools up to $3,000 to purchase materials used to enhance learning in the focus areas of the engineering, energy education, or other STEM topics. This grant program, now in its seventeenth year, is sponsored by Duke Energy and is administered by the Polk Education Foundation. It has returned over $725,000 to classrooms in the Duke Energy service area. As a result of Duke Energy’s commitment to education, these schools are making strides to increase students’ scores and enrich the learning process in fourth through twelfth grade.
A few highlighted projects: Davenport High School’s Marine Biology class will engage students in guided inquiry to learn about this apex predator, the transfer of energy in our marine ecosystem, as well as current biotechnology used to tag, research, and conserve shark species in our marine ecosystem within conservation efforts. Daniel Jenkins Academy students will work on a Power2Share project engaging students in how alternative energy sources are transformed into electrical energy. Students will construct a “solar suitcase” which is a stand-alone solar electric system that can light a classroom. The finished project will be deployed to a school in a region of the world without reliable access to power. Dundee Ridge Middle Academy students will focus on physical science topics such as energy transfer, heat energy, and light energy. Students will engage in many hands-on lessons that challenge them to design, test, and redesign their projects. Boone Middle School students will focus on using solar energy to run agriculture and aquaculture systems. We are anticipating great stories of student engagement, interest, and academic growth in the content areas of engineering and energy education!
Congratulations to the following schools:
| Babson Park Elementary | Davenport High School |
| Berkley Elementary | Dr. N. E. Roberts |
| Bok Academy North | Dundee Ridge Middle |
| Bok Academy South | Eagle Lake Elementary |
| Boone Middle School | Highland City Elementary |
| Citrus Ridge Academy | Janie Howard Wilson |
| Daniel Jenkins Academy | Polk Avenue Elementary |
| Davenport Elementary | Willow Oak Elementary |
Picture 1 – Jennifer Simpson Rocket launch
Picture 2 – Group picture participating teachers
The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501(c)(3) organization for the Polk County School Board and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may not be used. For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at www.polkeducationfoundation.org.
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School Matching Grant
Polk Education Foundation awarded $30,000 in School Matching Grants to 4 schools!
2022-2023 School Matching Grant funding received through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations as part of the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, is open to all public and charter schools in Polk County and requires schools to solicit and acquire new funds from a private or community donor with the promise of a dollar for dollar match up to $3,000 per grant. What a great way to connect and engage community members with local schools.
Press Release
For More Information Contact:
Susan Copeland 863-534-0519 or susana.copeland@polk-fl.net
Polk Education Foundation Receives Grant to …
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) recently awarded Polk
Education Foundation $217,396 in matching funds through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. Funding touches a variety of programs offered through the PEF.
AmeriCorps Polk Reads received $70,000 in funding to support its reading tutoring
program. Members provide one-on-one reading tutoring to kindergarten – 3rd grade public
school students at selected school sites each year. During the 2022-2023 school year,
AmeriCorps Polk Reads members are tutoring over 350 students providing over 28,000 hours of
service free to our community valued at over $775,000! The selected students received three,
thirty-minute, one-on-one tutoring sessions per week. These sessions target the five
components of effective reading instruction phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary
development, reading fluency and reading comprehension strategies.
The STEAMing up Polk Schools! Grant program received $47,637 which was offered to
schools in the form of grants. All K-12 public and charter schools had the opportunity to write a
grant that would enhance STEM instruction at their school. Another $19,000 was dedicated for
the School Matching Funds Grant program. This program invites schools to leverage funds from
the community with the promise of a dollar-for-dollar match for programs that increase
literacy, enhance STEM education, support low-performers, increase teaching quality, and or
support career/technical education. An additional $15,000 supported Grants for Great Ideas.
$25,000 supported to the Teacher-to-Teacher Idea Connection (T2T) program. The T2T
is a mini-grant program which seeks out teachers that have developed and successfully used
innovative teaching practices in their classrooms. As part of a layered network designed to
improve student achievement, teachers can apply for an Adapter grant to replicate a program
that would benefit their students.
The Free Teacher Market received $35,759. Teachers have the opportunity to shop for
school supplies, incentives, organizational tools, and much more without spending any money
out of their own pockets. This school year over 1,100 teachers have shopped so far.
The Consortium has received legislative matching funds which provide a dollar-for-dollar
incentive for local education foundations to raise private contributions for eligible projects for
more than 20 years. Since inception of the program, more than $140 million in combined
private and state dollars has been provided for local projects that serve students, literacy
initiatives, encourage STEM and career/technical education, increase classroom innovation,
support teachers, and/or increase graduation rates.
Pictures (attached)
Picture 1 – Teacher to Teacher Idea Expo
Picture 2 – Jennifer working with 3rd grade student
Picture 3 – Free Teacher Market shoppers
*****
The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local
education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations,
and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of local education foundations
throughout the state in achieving student success. The Consortium now has 64 member
foundations with 1,100 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members.
Collectively, the local education foundations raise $83 million annually to support students,
teachers, and schools through a variety of programs. The Consortium has facilitated more than
$68 million to local education foundations since 2002 through various private- and public sector
partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching
Grant Program.
To learn more about the Consortium and the statewide impact of the program, visit educationfoundationsfl.org.
About Polk Education Foundation
The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501(c)(3) organization for the Polk County
School Board and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may not be used. For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at www.polkeducationfoundation.org.
STEAMing Up Polk Schools! Grant
Polk Education Foundation awarded $30,000 in School Matching Grants to 4 schools!
2022-2023 Steaming Up Polk! Grant funding received through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations as part of the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, is open to all public and charter schools in Polk County with a focus on grants engaging students in STEAM education. Teachers may apply for grants up to $3,000.
Press Release
For More Information Contact:
Susan Copeland 863-534-0519 or susana.copeland@polk-fl.net
Polk Education Foundation Receives Grant to …
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) recently awarded Polk
Education Foundation $217,396 in matching funds through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. Funding touches a variety of programs offered through the PEF.
AmeriCorps Polk Reads received $70,000 in funding to support its reading tutoring
program. Members provide one-on-one reading tutoring to kindergarten – 3rd grade public
school students at selected school sites each year. During the 2022-2023 school year,
AmeriCorps Polk Reads members are tutoring over 350 students providing over 28,000 hours of
service free to our community valued at over $775,000! The selected students received three,
thirty-minute, one-on-one tutoring sessions per week. These sessions target the five
components of effective reading instruction phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary
development, reading fluency and reading comprehension strategies.
The STEAMing up Polk Schools! Grant program received $47,637 which was offered to
schools in the form of grants. All K-12 public and charter schools had the opportunity to write a
grant that would enhance STEM instruction at their school. Another $19,000 was dedicated for
the School Matching Funds Grant program. This program invites schools to leverage funds from
the community with the promise of a dollar-for-dollar match for programs that increase
literacy, enhance STEM education, support low-performers, increase teaching quality, and or
support career/technical education. An additional $15,000 supported Grants for Great Ideas.
$25,000 supported to the Teacher-to-Teacher Idea Connection (T2T) program. The T2T
is a mini-grant program which seeks out teachers that have developed and successfully used
innovative teaching practices in their classrooms. As part of a layered network designed to
improve student achievement, teachers can apply for an Adapter grant to replicate a program
that would benefit their students.
The Free Teacher Market received $35,759. Teachers have the opportunity to shop for
school supplies, incentives, organizational tools, and much more without spending any money
out of their own pockets. This school year over 1,100 teachers have shopped so far.
The Consortium has received legislative matching funds which provide a dollar-for-dollar
incentive for local education foundations to raise private contributions for eligible projects for
more than 20 years. Since inception of the program, more than $140 million in combined
private and state dollars has been provided for local projects that serve students, literacy
initiatives, encourage STEM and career/technical education, increase classroom innovation,
support teachers, and/or increase graduation rates.
Pictures (attached)
Picture 1 – Teacher to Teacher Idea Expo
Picture 2 – Jennifer working with 3rd grade student
Picture 3 – Free Teacher Market shoppers
*****
The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local
education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations,
and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of local education foundations
throughout the state in achieving student success. The Consortium now has 64 member
foundations with 1,100 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members.
Collectively, the local education foundations raise $83 million annually to support students,
teachers, and schools through a variety of programs. The Consortium has facilitated more than
$68 million to local education foundations since 2002 through various private- and public sector
partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching
Grant Program.
To learn more about the Consortium and the statewide impact of the program, visit educationfoundationsfl.org.
About Polk Education Foundation
The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501(c)(3) organization for the Polk County
School Board and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may not be used. For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at www.polkeducationfoundation.org.
AT&T Full STEAM Ahead for Florida’s Future Grant
2022-2023 AT&T Full STEAM Ahead for Florida’s Future Grant funded one $5,000 grant through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF). The intention of AT&T is to engage students who may have fallen behind during the pandemic as well as those in underserved communities, families needing support with distance learning and high school students seeking to jump start their STEM careers through industry certifications.
Berkley Charter School’s project, All Hands-On Deck for Learning, provides students with hands-on learning experiences in science and math. These opportunities will engage students in STEM related subjects in a positive, engaging way to help bridge the learning gap for students, boosting their academic confidence to have greater success in STEAM related subjects.
2022 – 2023 ATT Press Release
For more information contact:
Susan Copeland 863-534-0519
Mary Chance 352-338-0250 or marychance@cfef.net
Polk Education Foundation Receives AT&T Full STEAM Ahead for Florida’s Future
Grant to Fund Learning Innovation
Students at Berkley Charter School will benefit from a statewide investment by AT&T this year,
one that seeks to engage students who may have fallen behind during the COVID-19 pandemic
as well as those in underserved communities, and high school students seeking to jump start
their STEM careers through industry certifications.
For the 13th consecutive year, AT&T is working with the Consortium of Florida Education
Foundations (Consortium) to support hands-on learning opportunities. 19 separate projects
organized and funded through Consortium member local education foundations will re-engage
students who have gotten behind in academics and/or are in underserved communities
through hands-on STEAM enrichment activities or increasing CTE certification completion.
Berkley Charter’s program, All “Hands-On” Deck for Learning, is designed to increase the
hands-on learning experiences in science and math for students who are in the bottom 25%
academically. Providing opportunities to engage in STEM related subjects in a positive,
engaging way will help bridge the learning gap with participating students and boost their
academic confidence. Classrooms have set time aside each day for structured centers that are
differentiated to meet the specific needs of students. During this time, teachers use the
opportunity to work with students one on one, or in small group instruction. Teachers
remediate or enrich students in specific content, whichever is needed.
Students who are the bottom 25% are students generally struggling with traditional instruction,
therefore we want to provide multiple opportunities for them to grasp the concepts. We
especially want to provide hands- on experiences so their mind and body are engaged in
learning, and so they will be more likely to understand and retain the content. Activities are
targeted. Kindergarten and first grade students will experience BeeBots – Child friendly robots
that can be programed by students and used to practice a variety of content. Third and fourth
grade students will experience STEaM challenge tasks including Lego WeDo kits. Students will
take real world tasks and put concepts into action, helping them understand their math and
science concepts at a deeper level.
“We care about the students in our community and by providing opportunities for them to
experience the relevance of STEM curriculum in the world of work, through hands-on learning
and career certification programs, they will be better equipped to enter the workforce,” said
Joe York, President, AT&T Florida. “Local education foundations and other organizations are key
to ensuring that young people are exposed to the educational and skills development
opportunities to prepare them for success in their careers.”
This year’s statewide grant brings the total investment by AT&T over eleven years to more than
$1.1 million. More than 86,000 students have been directly impacted through 488 projects.
Pictures:
ATT Pics (1) (attached) Berkley students
ATT pics (2) (attached) Berkley students
Check Presentation (attached – from left to right) Deanna Brewer, AP and Matt Mucci, ATT rep
STEAM pics (4) (attached) Berkley students
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities,
and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to bridge the digital
divide and narrow the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources,
and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, we’ve committed $600 million to
programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly
those in underserved communities.
About the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations:
The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local
education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations,
and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of Florida’s local education
foundations. Together, Consortium members raise more than $83 million annually for a variety
of locally driven initiatives and are led by 1,200 board members, 80% of whom are local
business and community leaders working in partnership with school district leaders. The
Consortium manages the nation’s only 1:1 legislative match for education foundation initiatives
and a variety of privately funded grant programs. To learn more about the Consortium or
connect with any member local education foundation, visit https://educationfoundationsfl.org
About Polk Education Foundation
The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501c(3) organization for the Polk County
School Board and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may
not be used. For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at
www.polkeducationfoundation.org.
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Suncoast Credit Union Grant
Suncoast Credit Union is proud to invest in education in Polk County. In 2022-2023, the Suncoast Credit Union grant awarded six grants to meet any need at the school site. Four schools received funding to enhance education at their individual schools. Davenport High School Agriscience Lab equipped the science class with new groundbreaking lab equipment to engage students as they learn basic biology concepts. Horizons Elementary used funds to teach about vibrations/waves in Music, frequency, and the importance of protecting hearing. Daniel Jenkins Academy used funds to purchase equipment for their fab lab. Alturas Elementary used funds for their Decoding Detectives program to help build a strong foundation in reading. Eagle Lake and Floral Avenue Elementary received funds to replenish books for their book vending machines. Thank you, Suncoast Credit Union!
2022-2023 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Susan Copeland
Polk Education Foundation
863-534-0434
Re: Suncoast Credit Union invested $34,000 in Polk
The Polk Education Foundation received $34,000 in funding from Suncoast Credit Union. Funds supported a variety of programs and initiatives offered through the Polk Education Foundation.
AmeriCorps Polk Reads is a reading tutoring program for struggling kindergarten – third grade readers in select schools in Polk County. Our members provided three, 30-minute, one-on-one tutoring sessions per week to over 400 students who are behind in reading. These sessions target the five components of effective reading instruction (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency and reading comprehension strategies) and work to move
students up in their reading levels. Americorps Polk Reads received $5,000 to support this critical endeavor.
Suncoast Credit Union also invested funds, time, and energy into the Free Teacher Market. $10,000 in funding was used to purchase much needed school supplies to help Erase the Need for students. Teachers were able to pick up school supplies free of charge for their students and classrooms. Suncoast Credit Union also sponsored the tote bags that teachers filled while shopping in the Free Teacher Market. Funding was matched dollar for dollar through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. Suncoast Credit Union is a champion for learning in Polk!
Another $10,000 was invested in students at six schools for a need at their school. Three schools received funding to enhance education at their individual schools. Davenport High School Agriscience Lab equiped the science class with new groundbreaking lab equipment to engage students as they learn basic biology concepts. Horizons Elementary used funds to teach about vibrations/waves in Music, a bit about frequency, and the importance of protecting hearing. Daniel
Jenkins Academy used funds to purchase equipment for their fab lab. Alturas Elementary used funds for their Decoding Detectives program to help build a strong foundation in reading. Eagle Lake and Floral Avenue Elementary received funds to replenish books for their book vending machines. Funding was matched dollar for dollar through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. Suncoast Credit Union is a champion for learning in Polk!
With the cost of college becoming even more expensive, students are depending on scholarships to help make attending college an option. As part of the many scholarships awarded through Polk Education Foundation, two fortunate students will each receive $2,000 Suncoast Scholar Award offered by Suncoast Credit Union to help offset the cost of attending college.
Picture 1 “Carol and Michelle MLK “ AmeriCorps members reading books to students.
Picture 2 “FTM shoppers” Teachers with the supplies picked up from the Free Teacher Market
Picture 3 “Eagle Lake book vend mach” Teacher receiving check for additional books for vending machine.
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About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 10th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $16.3 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 75 full-service branches and serves more than one million members in 40 counties across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast
Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $40 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves.
For more information, visit suncoastcreditunion.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Polk Education Foundation
The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501(c)(3) organization for the Polk County School Board and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may not be used. For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at www.polkeducationfoundation.org.
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Wells Fargo Financial Health Grant
2022-2023 Wells Fargo Financial Health Grant funded one $5,000 grant in Polk County through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF). The intention of Wells Fargo grant was part of an initiative to fund financial health projects across the state. The grants from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations are part of a $60,000 investment from Wells Fargo.
Auburndale High School’s project, Mastering Financial Literacy, helps students understand the downside to being one and seven Americans that are living paycheck to paycheck. Students work through the Everfi financial literacy modules, earning certificates for each module completed successfully. Participating students will leave the class with a yearly personal or family budget to help them as they move forward to college or trade school. Thank you Wells Fargo for helping students grow in financial health.
2021-2022 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Susan Copeland
Polk Education Foundation
863-534-0434
Re: Wells Fargo invested $5,000 in Polk County
Auburndale High School’s project, Mastering Financial Literacy, has been selected to receive a
grant as part of an initiative to fund financial health projects across the state. The grants from
the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations are part of a $60,000 investment from Wells
Fargo.
With the funding, Mr. Ball plans to teach the many facets of having financial wellbeing. When
students reach high school, anxiety often increases as they navigate making decisions about
college and careers. Managing finances wisely is a huge part of the equation. One in seven
Americans live paycheck to paycheck. One in three Americans have learned the secrets to
saving and planning financially. This program will provide multifaceted instruction and the
financial tools to point students in the right direction. Students will work through the financial
literacy modules receiving certificates for each and will work through the Florida Economic
Council workbook as well. To authenticate learning, students will create a poster showing how
they will put into practice healthy financial literacy principles on how to be one in three
Americans not living paycheck to paycheck. To summarize learning, students will participate in
an essay contest on the importance of financial well Being and avoiding living paycheck to
paycheck. Wells Fargo representatives will be invited to participate throughout the project.
Attached, are photos of Mr. Ball’s class with the local Wells Fargo Representatives.
To receive support for this project, the local foundation applied to be selected as one of 11
projects across the state. The projects will help empower more than 300 of local students as
they learn about savings, budgeting and making financially savvy decisions.
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About Polk Education Foundation
The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501(c)(3) organization for the Polk County School
Board and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may not be used. For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at www.polkeducationfoundation.org
Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways Grant
Polk Education Foundation received a grant for $22,500 as part of a two-year $500,000 grant through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations aimed at increasing student interest in healthcare careers and successful participation in high school healthcare career academies, particularly among students from underrepresented communities. Through the ‘Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways’ program grant, Polk Education Foundation will help reduce barriers for students interested in the healthcare field. Funds have offset cost for student healthcare uniforms, labs fees, and helped students participate at the state HOSA competition. One of the main goals is to increase the number of students interested in entering the healthcare profession.
